1-SUMMARY OF THE MAIN TEXT
COMMANDED TO PRAY
WORSHIPPING OTHER GODS SUCH AS ASTROLOGY, MONEY,
SUCCESS, GETTING AHEAD
DOES GOD ANSWER PRAYER?
JERUSALEM HAD SINNED; IT WAS TOO LATE
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER: PRAISE AND WORSHIP,
CONFESS, REPENT, GIVE THANKS,
REQUESTS
FAITH
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
WITHOUT FAITH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD
PRAYING WITH NO FAITH
KNOW GODíS WILL, THEN
PRAY PRAYER OF FAITH
PRAYERS CANNOT BE ANSWERED WHEN
NO LONGER PROUD
KEY TO PRAYER
MUST BE BORN-AGAIN
GODíS TELEPHONE NUMBER 2-POSITIONS 3-WHEN TO PRAY 4-KINDS OF PRAYERS 5-HOW TO PRAY 6-PRAYER: HOW GOD ANSWERS 7-PRAYERS MAY
NOT BE ANSWERED "IF" 8-GOD ANSWERS OUR
PRAYERS "IF" 9-EXAMPLES OF PRAYER IN
THE BIBLE 10-PRAYER:
NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW (MAIN TEXT) 11-PARABLE
UNTO CERTAIN WHICH TRUSTED IN THEMSELVES 12-DOES
GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS OF AN UNREPENTANT SINNER?
MUST HAVE HOLY SPIRIT IN YOU
FRIENDSHIP OF THIS WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD
EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, CANNOT SEE KINGDOM
OF GOD
WORD MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US
ASKING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART; CONFESS HIM PUBLICLY;
FOLLOW GOSPEL IN OBEDIENCE, INCLUDING BAPTISM
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED: RECEIVE GIFT OF THE
HOLY GHOST
JUSTIFIED GOD, BEING BAPTIZED WITH BAPTISM
OF JOHN
THE BIBLE COMMANDS AFTER RECEIVING JESUS AS
SAVIOR
SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION
IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS
HOLY SPIRIT IN YOU
OBEY, DO NOT WALK AFTER THE FLESH
SAVED BY GRACE 13-EXAMINE YOURSELF
OUR CONSCIENCE MUST NOT CONDEMN US
TONGUE
CALLED BY MY NAME, HUMBLE, PRAY, SEEK, TURN,
THEN I WILL HEAR
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
HAVE SWORN, PERFORM IT 14-WHEN PRAYING,
HOW SHOULD YOU BEGIN?
CONFESS OUR SINS
REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
THOUGH SINS BE AS SCARLET
GREATER IS HE
IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY
HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY 15-WHAT IS SIN IN GOD'S EYES?
WORD HID IN MY HEART
SIX THINGS LORD HATES; YEA SEVEN
CONFESS YOUR FAULTS
ASTROLOGY
PRAY, CONFESS, TURN, THEN HEAR FROM HEAVEN
HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS
KEEPETH COVENANT WITH THEM THAT LOVE HIM AND
OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS 16-TO
HAVE PRAYERS ANSWERED WE MUST HAVE FAITH
LOVE ABOUND IN KNOWLEDGE
ABIDE IN ME AND MY WORDS IN YOU
WORDS MUST ABIDE IN US FOR US TO ASK AND RECEIVE 17-STUDY GOD'S WORD
BOOK SHALL NOT DEPART OUT OF THY MOUTH
RECEIVE ENGRAFTED WORD
DOERS OF THE WORD
A LACK OF WORKS WILL CONDEMN YOU
WITNESSING TO YOUR RELATIVES, NEIGHBORS, AND
PEOPLE AT WORK 18-PRAISING JESUS
PRAY TO HIM WITH MY MOUTH, PRAISE WAS ON MY
TONGUE
WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED 19-GIVE THANKS TO GOD
SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING
MAKING REQUESTS WITH JOY
20-WHEN YOU PRAY, ALWAYS PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST 21-FAITH
FAITH IS SUBSTANCE
FAITH COMETH BY HEARING
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
BY WORKS FAITH MADE PERFECT
FEAR THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL
BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE
FAITH GROWS OUT OF THE WORD, NOT FROM PRAYING
FOR IT
WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM 22-HE HAD FAITH TO BE HEALED
PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK
CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER AND PRAY,
THAT YE MAY BE HEALED
TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE
ASK IN FAITH NOT WAVERING
EVERY ACT PROMPTED BY YOUR FAITH
BELIEVE, AND THEREFORE SPEAK
GUARD EVERY WORD WE SAY
EVERY IDLE WORD MEN SHALL SPEAK, THEY SHALL
GIVE ACCOUNT IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
ANY MAN SEEM RELIGIOUS AND BRIDLETH NOT TONGUE,
RELIGION IS VAIN 23-BECAUSE YE ASK NOT
YE ASK AMISS
HUMBLE, ASK; EVERYONE THAT ASKETH RECEIVETH
JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, "THY BROTHER SHALL
RISE AGAIN"
IF THOU WOULDEST BELIEVE 24-BEAR
MUCH FRUIT
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM
REJOICE WITH TREMBLING
FEARED, HEARKENED, AND HEARD
25-SHOULD WE PRAY IN SECRET?
26-DELIGHT THYSELF IN THE LORD
27-WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU MUST ALSO FORGIVE
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
HID FROM WISE, REVEALED UNTO BABES
28-HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE GOD
HEAR ME WHEN I CALL
SPAKE IN HER HEART
SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART 29-GODíS
WILL
ASK AMISS
SUBMIT YOURSELF TO GOD
30-HAVE YOU TRIED TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD BY FASTING?
WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT FASTING
GIVE YOURSELVES TO FASTING AND PRAYER
ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE, GIVING HONORóPRAYERS
NOT HINDERED
31-HOW TO PRAY THE LORDíS PRAYER
32-DO YOU HAVE FAITH TO RECEIVE?
PRAYED AND SANG PRAISES
PRAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE
33-PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
SAVE OUR LOVED ONES
GOD OPEN A DOOR OF UTTERANCE TO SPEAK
MESSAGE BE HONORED
SENT THEM TWO BY TWO
WHEN WITNESSING, USE GODíS WORD
GODíS COMMANDMENT TO US ALL
I SEND YOU FORTH
34-THE WORD IS; WHAT IT WILL ACCOMPLISH
SIN UNTO DEATH 35-WISDOM
WHERE IT COMES FROM AND HOW TO RECEIVE
GUIDELINES TO GET PRAYERS ANSWERED
CULTS
RELIGION
GOD CAME IN THE FLESH
IF YOUR CHURCH DOES NOT TEACH IN LINE WITH
GODíS WORD
FOLLOWING GODíS WORD OR A RELIGION
PRAYING ACCORDING TO GODíS WILL
YE KNOW NOT WHAT YE ASK 36-GOD
ANSWERS PRAYER
PRAYER FOR GODíS HELPóA PSALM OF DAVID
37-ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS
PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
PRAYERS FOR HEALING THE SICK
PETER PRAYED FOR THE DEAD
SUPPLICATIONS, INTERCESSIONS, GIVING OF THANKS,
FOR ALL MEN, FOR KINGS, FOR ALL IN AUTHORITY
BLESSING FOR FOOD
PRAY ABOUT ESCAPING THE TRIBULATION
PRAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION 38-BINDING39-ARE YOUR PRAYERS HINDERED BECAUSE OF YOUR TONGUE?
SOWING DISCORD AMONG THE BRETHREN
MOUTH, TONGUE CONDEMNETH THEE
SNARED WITH THE WORDS OF THY MOUTH
GOOD CONVERSATIONóWORKS
IF THEY WILL NOT WORK
IDLENESS AND LAZINESS
CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE
TALEBEARER; DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT MURMURINGS
AND DISPUTINGS
LABOURED IN VAIN
NO WOOD, FIRE GOES OUT; DO NOT CAUSE STRIFE;
DO NOT MURMUR OR BE A TALEBEARER 40-THE
GOOD LIFE
RICH MAN AND BEGGAR NAMED LAZARUS
41-DRINKING, DRUGS, SMOKING, ILLICIT SEX, TAKING THE LORDíS NAME IN
VAIN
GOD HATH CALLED US UNTO HOLINESS
BY ACTIONS, THEY DENY HIM
DRINKING
IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS
FEARS THE LORD
DO NOT JOIN THOSE WHO DRINK
A WARNING TO THOSE THAT GIVE OR SELL DRINK
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, CIGARETTES
NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN
HIM OR KNOWN HIM
YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD
IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND
JUST TO FORGIVE US
IF WE SIN WILLFULLY AFTER WE HAVE RECEIVED
THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, THERE REMAINETH NO MORE
SACRIFICE FOR SINS
TRODDEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD AND HATH
COUNTED THE BLOOD UNHOLY
YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY 42-IMPORTANT
VERSES
FROM THE HEART
SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
OBEY, YIELDTO RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO HOLINESS;
WITHOUT HOLINESS, NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD
PREACHERS, PRIESTS, RABBI, CAST INTO THE LAKE
OF FIRE
43-CULTS, FORTUNE-TELLING, ASTROLOGY, ETC.
WITCHES, SORCERY, SPELLS, MEDIUM, SPIRITIST,
SPIRITUALIST, NECROMANCER, HOROSCOPES, OBSERVER OF
TIMES
ABOMINATIONS TO THE LORD
FOLLOWING THEM, I WILL CUT HIM OFF
WOMAN SHALL NOT WEAR
HE THAT JUSTIFIETH THE WICKED
44-WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT GIVING
TENTH PART
SOWETH SPARINGLY, SHALL REAP SPARINGLY
FAITH, IN SPEECH, IN KNOWLEDGE, IN COMPLETE
EARNESTNESS, AND IN LOVE
EXCEL IN GIVING
IN SECRET
RICH SHOULD NOT TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES
SHALL IN NO WISE LOSE REWARD
ANANIAS WITH SAPPHIRA
GREAT FEAR CAME UPON ALL THE CHURCH
45-WHAT POSITION SHOULD WE PRAY FROM?
HUMBLE
WHY YOU WERE BORN?
46-DOES GOD ALWAYS ANSWER PRAYER?
BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRITóSHALL NOT
BE FORGIVEN HIM
IF I REGARD INIQUITY IN MY HEART, LORD WILL
NOT HEAR ME
CONFESS ALL KNOWN SIN
GOD DOES NOT HEAR THEIR PRAYERS UNTIL
SIN, LACK OF FAITH, LACK OF KNOWLEDGE, LACK
OF OBEDIENCE, MAY BE MAIN REASONS FOR UNANSWERED
PRAYERS
47-DONíT GIVE UP: KEEP ON PRAYING
48-WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY AND HOW OFTEN?
TWO OR MORE IN PRAYER
FOR HEALING: PRAY, BELIEVE, ACT, RECEIVE, CONFESS,
AND WALK, GIVING THANKS TO GOD
MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED AN HOUSE OF PRAYER
TAKE HELMET OF SALVATION AND THE SWORD OF THE
SPIRIT
PRAYING ALWAYS
BLESSED ARE
IN PRAYER, USE NOT VAIN REPETITIONS: YOUR FATHER
KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE NEED BEFORE YE ASK
LITTLE CHILDREN, FORBID THEM NOT
49-THE END FOR JESUS WAS APPROACHING: JESUS SPOKE THESE WORDS
THEY HAVE KEPT THY WORDS, THEY HAVE RECEIVED
THEM
THEY HAVE BELIEVED THOU DIDST SEND ME; I PRAY
FOR THEM THOU HAST GIVEN ME 50-WHAT
FAITH IS 51-FINAL
SCRIPTURES

1-SUMMARY
OF THE MAIN TEXT

Before
getting into the main text of this message, it is necessary to give a preview
of what will follow. The following is a summary of the main text.

Consider,
if you talked with your wife six minutes a day, what kind of relationship would
you have with her? If you pray six minutes a day or less, what kind of relationship
do you have with God?

Are
you not commanded to pray? Jesus said MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY-Lk
18:1. The way to receive things from God, is to ask Him in prayer. Godís Word
reminds us that, YE HAVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK NOT-Ja 4:2. There is joy in prayer:
ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL-Jn 16:24. Prayer will deliver
you from your troubles: THIS POOR MAN CRIED, AND THE LORD HEARD HIM, AND SAVED
HIM OUT OF ALL HIS TROUBLES-Ps 34:6. Prayer can open to us the treasure chest
of Godís wisdom: IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, THAT GIVETH
TO ALL MEN LIBERALLY, AND UPBRAIDETH NOT; AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN HIM-Ja 1:5.
Prayer is a channel of power: CALL UNTO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER THEE, AND SHEW
THEE GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS, WHICH THOU KNOWEST NOT-Jere 33:3.

Did
you know that it is sin not to pray? MOREOVER AS FOR ME, GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD
SIN AGAINST THE LORD IN CEASING TO PRAY FOR YOU: BUT I WILL TEACH YOU THE GOOD
AND THE RIGHT WAY: ONLY FEAR THE LORD, AND SERVE HIM IN TRUTH WITH ALL YOUR
HEART: FOR CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE FOR YOU-1 Sam 12:23,24.

Sinners
can be saved if they pray in faith and follow in obedience to the Gospel: FOR
WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED-Ro 10:13. Jesus
while here in the flesh, prayed often to the Father. We are to PRAY WITHOUT
CEASING-1 Thes 5:17. God heard Solomonís prayer, and promised He would watch
over the temple, and cause Solomonís descendants to be kings of Israel forever.
This promise was based on the people of Israel following God. If they did not,
God promised that He would remove the people of Israel from the temple, from
the land, and He would disperse them. Israel would become an astonishment to
the nations, and a proverb of sudden disaster. The temple would become a heap
of ruins. Those that pass by would see the ruin, and wonder why God punished
Israel. This happened because the people worshipped other gods. Do you
worship other gods, such as astrology, money, success, or getting ahead
in this world?DOES GOD ANSWER PRAYER?
Yes, beyond our expectation-ref Jere 33:3; sometimes after delay-ref Lk 18:7;
sometimes differently than our desire-ref 2 Cor 12:8,9; sometimes immediately-ref
Isa 65:24. Our prayer is not answered if we ask amiss-ref Ja 4:3. We read in
Gal 6:7-BE NOT DECEIVED; GOD IS NOT MOCKED: FOR WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT
SHALL HE ALSO REAP. Jeremiahís prayers for the sparing of Israel from captivity
were not answered, even though they were given in earnestness and faith. He
understood Godís will, and was willing to take no for an answer. Jerusalem
had gone too far. They had sinned. God said of her, it was too late.
JERUSALEM HATH GRIEVOUSLY SINNED; THEREFORE SHE IS REMOVED-Lam 1:8. Do you mock
God time after time as He calls you to repent, yet you will not? When the day
comes that you need God, what will you do? It was too late for Jerusalem. God
turned away. Yet the Scripture tells us, LET US SEARCH AND TRY OUR WAYS, AND
TURN AGAIN TO THE LORD. LET US LIFT UP OUR HEART WITH OUR HANDS UNTO GOD IN
THE HEAVENS. WE HAVE TRANSGRESSED AND HAVE REBELLED: THOU HAST NOT PARDONED-Lam
3:40-42.

Many
Christians think prayer is a time to ask God for what they want. Perhaps this
is why so many prayers go unanswered. It was suggested that the following is
a good guideline for prayer. First, praise and worship
God in truth. Second, confess all your sins to Him, and be willing to
turn from all willful sin, and obey the Gospel. Truly have a repentant
heart. Third, give thanks for all your blessings. Give thanks even in
difficult times. Finally, let your requests be known to God. Pray in
faith, and in accordance with the Scriptures. This means you need to study Godís
Word. Do not compromise in reading and studying the Bible. Some people pray
much, but study Godís Word little. A person that reads only one or two chapters
a day, is usually misled and not serious about God.

Now
we are reminded that, FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE
EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN-Heb 11:1. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God,
and the Bible tells us FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD, BEING ALONE-Ja 2:20,17.
If you are not reading your Bible and serving Jesus, when the time comes that
you need faith, it will not be there. Since without faith it is impossible
to please God, how will you get an answer from God? Praying something like,
"Well, if it be Godís will," is praying with no faith at all.
You need to know what Godís will is (from the Bible), then praythe prayer of faith. You need to have unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

The
Bible tells us that David prayed about the erection of a temple, but his prayers
were answered during Solomonís day. The Bible shows us our prayerscannot
be answered when: it seeks to change Godís decrees-ref Deut 3:23-27; when
it seeks to avoid deserved chastisement-ref 2 Sam 12:16-18; when it is prompted
by selfish, personal motives-ref Mt 6:5 and Ja 4:2,3; when a prayer is meaningless
and repetitious-ref Mt 6:7; when it is offered without first confession of conscious
known sin-ref 1 Jn 1:8-10; when it disregards the known will of God-ref 1 Sam
8:9,10; and when we do not honor our wives-ref 1 Pe 3:7. We should pray for
our needs not selfish things. For we read in Ps 107:13-THEN THEY CRIED UNTO
THE LORD IN THEIR TROUBLE, AND HE SAVED THEM OUT OF THEIR DISTRESSES. Here,
the remnant of Israel is no longer proud. Now, they look to the Messiah
for help, and to Him alone. They have learned that the key to prayer is
obedience to God. God was always there, but they did not call upon Him. The
telephone is there, but it only works when you pick it up and dial a number.
You may forget the telephone, but when you need help, suddenly you remember
it. Godís telephone number is listed in Jere 33:3. To receive answers
you must be born-again. You must forgive others who have offended you-ref
Mk 11:26. You must repent of known sin, forsake it-ref Isa 55:7. You must pray
in His will-ref I Jn 5:14,15. You are to DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD; AND
HE SHALL GIVE THEE THE DESIRES OF THINE HEART. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD;
TRUST ALSO IN HIM; AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS-Ps 37:4,5. Delight means that
God, and the things of God, must be your daily constant joy. If you only remember
God when you want something, or in a quick grace at meals, this is not delight.
When you begin to delight in the Lord, God may begin answering your prayers.
Our grateful acknowledgment to the Salem Kirban Bible and Royal Publisher's
The Open Bible for part of the previous commentaries. God has at times
answered prayers contrary to some of these to fulfill his purpose.Following is a partial index
to the message that follows on prayer:

2-PRAYING
POSITIONS

You
can pray to God in any position. People in the Bible prayed lifting up hands;
bowing on knees; falling with their face to the ground; and looking toward heaven.
The key is to humble yourself before the Lord. You can pray on a roof top; alone;
among many; facing a wall; or standing in front of an assembly.

Confession
(repenting); for forgiveness; intercession, interceding for someone else; for
needs; praise and worship; songs of thanksgiving; thanksgiving in all circumstances;
mercy; for those in authority; for trouble; to bind on earth; to loose on earth;
for saints; for healing (for raising the dead), (for sick); pray and lay hands
on; for knowledge, wisdom, and depth of insight (fasting); for loved ones (send
workers in the field, draw them, lift spiritual blindness); Jesus prayed for
those God gave Him; Jesus prayed for those who killed Him; pray one for another;
do not pray for sin that leads to death; praying and singing hymns; pray not
to fall into temptation; and pray to be accounted worthy.

Our
prayers may not be answered if we ask amiss (be content with food and clothing);
if it seeks to change Godís decrees; if it causes God to act contrary to Himself;
if you have not forgiven everyone; if it seeks to avoid deserved chastisement;
if you do not do what the Word says and act on it; if prompted by selfish, personal
motives; if you listen to the Word, but do not do it; if meaningless; if Godís
Word is not in you; if you have no works; if repetitious; if you doubt; if you
have no faith; if no confession of known sin is made; if it is contrary to Godís
known will; if you shrink back; if not offered in faith; if not believe; if
faith is like a wave; if faith is by zeal, not knowledge; if you do not possess
the Holy Spirit and are truly saved, born-again; if you do not forgive others;
if you do not delight in the Lord; if you do not seek God with all your heart;
if you do not ask; if you do not seek; if you do not knock; if you do not seek
My face; if you do not receive; if you do not bear much fruit; if not for the
Fatherís glory; if you do not show yourself to be My disciples (confess); if
you do not ask God; if you do not ask in Jesusí name; if it is babbling; if
you do not love each other; if you do not bear fruit; if you are not faithful
in prayer; if you give up; if you are not thankful; if you are serving other
gods, which include money, and things of this world. Does your job come before
God? or your friends? or anything? Your prayers may not be answered: if you
are a friend of this world; if you ask with wrong motives; if you do not follow
Jesus; if you do not fear Him; if you do not serve the Lord faithfully with
all your heart; if you pray to be seen of men; if you are proud; if you are
not humbled; if you do not obey Him; if we do not keep the commandment of love;
if you do not keep His commandments; if it is not in reverent submission; if
not righteous; if you do not remain in Me and I in you; if heart condemns us;
if we do not do what pleases Him; if our heart is not right; if bitter; if captive
to sin; God does not hear the wicked. If you turn a deaf ear to the Lord, then
your prayers are detestable. Your prayers are not answered: if not called by
My name; if not delight in revering His name; if mouth condemns you; if cherish
sin in your heart; if not clear-minded; if you are separated from God by iniquity;
if tongue mutters wicked things; if not godly; if do not do Godís will; and
if we do not honor our wives.

8-GOD
ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS "IF"

God
answers our prayers if we confess our sins; if we pray according to His will;
if our prayers do not change His decrees; if it does not cause God to act contrary
to His own will; if offered in faith (asked in faith); if our faith is not like
a wave (we must believe); if our faith is based on knowledge (His Word) not
zeal alone; if we possess the Holy Spirit (which is given by the foreknowledge
of God through faith and obedience to Him; Godís Spirit intercedes for us in
accordance to Godís will); if you remain in Me and I in you; if you have forgiven
others; if heart does not condemn you; if you delight in the Lord; if you do
what pleases Him; if you pray often, continually; if righteous; if you call
on the name of the Lord; if you pray in reverent submission; if you ask, seek,
knock; if you can receive; if called by My name; if you seek Me with all your
heart; if you delight in revering Jesusí name; if you bear much fruit; if for
Fatherís glory; if you are clear-minded; if you show yourself to be My disciples
(confess); if you keep His commandments. God answers prayer so that your joy
may be complete; so the Son may bring glory to the Father; if you are a godly
man who does His will; if you ask in Jesusí name; if you are faithful in prayer;
if you donít give up; if you are thankful; if you listen to the Word and act
on it; if the Word is in you; if you have works; if you do not doubt; if you
do not shrink back; if you believe in Jesus (thus righteous); if you follow
Me (Jesus); if you fear the Lord; if you serve the Lord faithfully with all
your heart; if you humble yourself; if you obey Him; and if you keep the covenant
of love, the Father will give, and I (Jesus) will do it.

9-EXAMPLES
OF PRAYER IN THE BIBLE

Abraham-for
a son

Gen 15:1-6

Abraham-for
Ishmael

Gen 17:18-21

Abraham-for
Sodom

Gen 18:20-32

Abraham-for
Abimelech

Gen 20:17

Isaac-for
children

Gen 25:21,24-26

Jacob-all
night

Gen 32:24-30

Israel-for
deliverance

Ex 2:23-25

Moses-for
Pharaoh

Ex 8:9-13

Moses-for
water

Ex 15:24,25

Moses-for
Israel

Ex 32:31-35

Moses-for
Miriam

Num 12:13-14

Moses-for
a successor

Num 27:15-17

Moses-to
see promised land

Deut 3:23-25;
34:1-4

Joshua-for
help and mercy

Jos 7:6-9

Gideon-for
proof of his call

Judges 6:36-39

Manoah-for
guidance

Judges 13:8-15

Samson-for
water

Judges 15:18,19

Samson-
for strength

Judges 16:28-30

Hannah-for
a son

1 Sam 1:9-17

Samuel-for
Israel

1 Sam 7:5-12

David-for
favor

2 Sam 7:18-29

Solomon-for
wisdom

1 Ki 3:6-14

Elijah-for
the raising to life of the widowís son

1 Ki 17:20-22

Elijah-for
triumph over Baal

1 Ki 18:36-38

Elijah-for
death

1 Ki 19:4

Elisha-for
victory

2 Ki 6:17-23

Hezekiah-for
victory

2 Ki 19:15-19

Hezekiah-for
health

2 Ki 20:1-11

Jabez-for
prosperity

1 Chr 4:10

Abijahís
army-for victory

2 Chr 13:14

Asa-for
deliverance

2 Chr 14:11

Jehoshaphat-for
protection

2 Chr 20:5-12,27

Manasseh-in
affliction

2 Chr 33:12,13

Ezra-for
the sins of the people

Ezra 9:6-15

Nehemiah-for
the Jews

Neh 1:4-11

Of confidence

Ps 3:1-8

Of trust
in God

Ps 4:1-8

For protection

Ps 5:1-12

For mercy

Ps 6:1-10

For deliverance

Ps 7:1-17

For overthrow
of the wicked

Ps 10:1-18

For protection
against oppressors

Ps 17:1-15

For rescue
from enemies

Ps 35:1-28

For penitent
heart

Ps 38:1-22

For answered
prayer

Ps 40:1-17

For deliverance
from the ungodly

Ps 43:1-5

For cleansing

Ps 51:1-19

For protection

Ps 54:1-7

Against
deceitful friends

Ps 55:1-23

For help

Ps 56:1-13

For deliverance

Ps 57:1-11

For deliverance

Ps 59:1-17

For help
against foe

Ps 60:1-12

Cry of
distress

Ps 69:1-36

For deliverance

Ps 70:1-5

For help
in old age

Ps 71:1-24

For destruction
of heathen enemies

Ps 79:1-13

For restoration

Ps 80:1-19

For righteous
judgment

Ps 82:1-8

For destruction
of Israelís enemies

Ps 83:1-18

Of David

Ps 86:1-17

For deliverance
from death

Ps 88:1-18

Of Moses-the
man of God

Ps 90:1-17

Cry in
distress

Ps 102:1-28

For punishment
of wicked

Ps 109: 1-31

For understanding

Ps 119:33-40

For peace
of Jerusalem

Ps 122:1-9

For mercy

Ps 123:1-4

For blessings
on the sanctuary

Ps 132:1-18

For deliverance
from evil men

Ps 140:1-13

For help
in trouble

Ps 141:1-10

Jeremiah-for
mercy

Jere 14:7-10

Jeremiah-for
Judah

Jere 42:1-6

Daniel-for
the Jews

Dan 9:3-19

Jonah-for
deliverance from the fish

Jonah 2:1-9

Habakkuk-for
revival

Hab 3:1-19

THE LORDíS
PRAYER

Mt 6:9-13

Zacharias-for
a son

Lk 1:13

Peter-for
the raising of Dorcas

Acts 9:40

Cornelius-prayed
to God always

Acts 10:1-33

Christians-for
Peter

Acts 12:5-12

Paul-for
the healing of Publiusí father

Acts 28:8

Paul-for
the Ephesians

Eph 3:14-21

Elijah-for
rain

Ja 5:17,18

Prayer
of Jesus

Jn 17

10-PRAYER:
NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW (Main Text)

Heavenly
Father, we pray that every person reading or hearing this message will receive
it with a glad and open heart. We pray that Your Word will convict many to receive
Jesus as their personal Savior. That through Your Word in this message many
will repent and have a clear conscience before You. We pray this message will
help many to begin to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
We pray that through this message many will come to have a strong, faith-led
prayer life, and many prayers will be answered as a result. Thank you Father,
in the glorious name of Jesus, for the wisdom contained in this message and
for answering our prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

This
message is long, yet we hope that you will take the time to read every word.
If you will let ALL of Godís Word in this message abide in your heart and if
you will obey ALL His Word, then we believe that your prayer life will change
and God will hear and answer your prayers.

11-PARABLE
UNTO CERTAIN WHICH TRUSTED IN THEMSELVES

It
is written, AND HE (Jesus) SPAKE THIS PARABLE UNTO CERTAIN, WHICH TRUSTED
IN THEMSELVES THAT THEY WERE RIGHTEOUS, AND DESPISED OTHERS: TWO MEN WENT
UP INTO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY; THE ONE A PHARISEE, AND THE OTHER A PUBLICAN. THE
PHARISEE STOOD AND PRAYED THUS WITH HIMSELF, GOD, I THANK THEE, THAT I AM NOT
AS OTHER MEN ARE, EXTORTIONERS, UNJUST, ADULTERERS, OR EVEN AS THIS PUBLICAN.
I FAST TWICE IN THE WEEK, I GIVE TITHES OF ALL THAT I POSSESS. AND THE PUBLICAN,
STANDING AFAR OFF, WOULD NOT LIFT UP SO MUCH AS HIS EYES UNTO HEAVEN, BUT SMOTE
UPON HIS BREAST, SAYING, GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER. I TELL YOU, THIS MAN
WENT DOWN TO HIS HOUSE JUSTIFIED RATHER THAN THE OTHER: FOR EVERY ONE THAT EXALTETH
HIMSELF SHALL BE ABASED; AND HE THAT HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED-Lk 18:9-14.

You may ask, does God hear the prayers of an unrepentant sinner,
of a person that is not truly born-again? Godís Word tells us, FOR THE EYES
OF THE LORD ARE OVER THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN UNTO THEIR PRAYERS:
BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THEM THAT DO EVIL-1 Pe 3:12.BEHOLD, THE LORDíS HAND IS
NOT SHORTENED, THAT IT CANNOT SAVE; NEITHER HIS EAR HEAVY, THAT IT CANNOT HEAR:
BUT YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD, AND YOUR SINS HAVE
HID HIS FACE FROM YOU, THAT HE WILL NOT HEAR-Isa 59:1,2.IF I REGARD INIQUITY IN MY
HEART, THE LORD WILL NOT HEAR ME-Ps 66:18.THE LORD IS FAR FROM THE WICKED:
BUT HE HEARETH THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS-Pv 15:29. NOW WE KNOW THAT GOD HEARETH
NOT SINNERS-Jn 9:31.So many people these days say
they believe in God, and Jesus, yet they refuse to follow Godís commandments.
The Bible tells us we are called to live a holy life. If we love God, we will
keep His commandments. However, we are cautioned, HE THAT TURNETH AWAY HIS EAR
FROM HEARING THE LAW, EVEN HIS PRAYER SHALL BE ABOMINATION-Pv 28:9.AND WHEN YE SPREAD FORTH YOUR
HANDS, I WILL HIDE MINE EYES FROM YOU: YEA, WHEN YE MAKE MANY PRAYERS, I WILL
NOT HEAR: YOUR HANDS ARE FULL OF BLOOD. WASH YOU, MAKE YOU CLEAN; PUT AWAY THE
EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS FROM BEFORE MINE EYES; CEASE TO DO EVIL-Isa 1:15,16.THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED
IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD: BUT THE PRAYER OF THE UPRIGHT IS HIS DELIGHT-Pv
15:8.Did you know that if you love
this world and the things in it, you are unsaved, and you are an enemy of God?
Do you love that nice car? or house? Do you love your job, and want to get ahead?
The Bible asks, KNOW YE NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY
(hatred) WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD
IS THE ENEMY OF GOD-Ja 4:4. Do not be misled into thinking that God will answer
your prayers if you love this world. We see very clearly that God only answers
the prayers of the righteous.

It
is written, JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO THEE,
EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN-AGAIN, HE CANNOTSEE THE KINGDOM
OF GOD-Jn 3:3. EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT
ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Jn 3:5. Born of the Spirit is when Godís Spirit
enters you. You may ask, "How can I be born-again?" It is written,
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER
BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE-Jn 3:16. IN THE
BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD-Jn 1:1.
AND THE WORD (Jesus) WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US,
(AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, THE GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,)
FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH-Jn 1:14. Jesus became sin for us. He died on the cross
for our sins. You can receive this forgiveness by believing on Jesus, repenting
of all sin (turning your back on all sin), asking Jesus to come into your
heart, confessing Jesus publicly (never be ashamed), and following the
Gospel in obedience, including baptism.Note Godís Word, THAT IF THOU
SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALT BELIEVE IN THINE HEART
THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. FOR WITH THE HEART
MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO
SALVATION. FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE
ASHAMED-Ro 10:9-11.Regarding repentance and baptism
we read, REPENT (first), AND BE BAPTIZED (second) EVERY ONE OF YOU IN
THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 2:38. Note, here it says we receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost upon being baptized. The Scriptures further tell us,
AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HEARD HIM, AND THE PUBLICANS, JUSTIFIED GOD,
BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN-Lk 7:29. Note, they first heard
the Word, then were baptized by total immersion (the baptism of John), not sprinkling,
and not as a young child or infant. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE
COUNSEL OF GOD AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM-Lk 7:30. Have you
rejected the counsel of God by not being baptized the way the Bible commands
after asking Jesus to be your personal Savior?You must have the Holy Spirit
in you, or you are not saved. Our Lord gave us this example, NOW WHEN ALL THE
PEOPLE WERE BAPTIZED, IT CAME TO PASS, THAT JESUS ALSO BEING BAPTIZED, AND PRAYING,
THE HEAVEN WAS OPENED, AND THE HOLY GHOST DESCENDED IN A BODILY SHAPE LIKE A
DOVE UPON HIM-Lk 3:21,22. BUT YE, BELOVED, BUILDING UP YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST
HOLY FAITH, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST-Jude 20. (Note, "praying in the Holy
Ghost.") Then we are given the wonderful assurance that, LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT
ALSO HELPETH OUR INFIRMITIES: FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE
OUGHT: BUT THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETHINTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS
WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED. AND HE THAT SEARCHETH THE HEARTS KNOWETH WHAT IS THE
MIND OF THE SPIRIT, BECAUSE HE MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR THE SAINTS ACCORDING
TO THE WILL OF GOD-Ro 8:26,27. If you do not have Godís Spirit in you, you are
none of His. You are not born-again, and you are not saved.Jesus tells us, IF YE LOVE
ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. AND I WILL PRAY THE FATHER, AND HE SHALL GIVE
YOU ANOTHER COMFORTER, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER; EVEN THE SPIRIT OF
TRUTH; WHOM THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, BECAUSE IT SEETH HIM NOT, NEITHER KNOWETH
HIM: BUT YE KNOW HIM; FOR HE DWELLETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU-Jn
14:15-17. There is a condition put on receiving Godís Spirit; it is obedience
to the Gospel. As we obey Him in love, the Scripture tells us, AND HE THAT KEEPETH
HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM. AND HEREBY WE KNOW THAT HE
ABIDETH IN US, BY THE SPIRIT WHICH HE HATH GIVEN US-1 Jn 3:24. AND BEING MADE
PERFECT, HE BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY
HIM-Heb 5:9.We also must not walk after
the flesh. As it is written, THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM
WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT-Ro
8:1. We are saved by grace. It is a gift of God. We cannot earn it, yet
there is an obligation on our part in receiving Godís gift of grace. That obligation
is a total uncompromising commitment of love and obedience. Many peopleís prayers
do not get answered, because they do not have the Holy Spirit inside them. They
are unsaved, but they do not know it. They wander in darkness not knowing where
they are going. They think they can compromise when it comes to Godís Word.
Soon they will realize they were wrong, but it will be too late.

13-EXAMINE
YOURSELF

Can you pray this prayer? EXAMINE ME, O LORD, AND PROVE ME; TRY MY REINS AND
MY HEART-Ps 26:2. Then we read, THOU ART MY SERVANT; I HAVE CHOSEN THEE, AND
NOT CAST THEE AWAY. FEAR THOU NOT; FOR I AM WITH THEE: BE NOT DISMAYED; FOR
I AM THY GOD: I WILL STRENGTHEN THEE; YEA, I WILL HELP THEE; YEA, I WILL UPHOLD
THEE WITH THE RIGHT HAND OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS. BEHOLD, ALL THEY THATÖSTRIVE WITH
THEE SHALL PERISH-Isa 41:9-11.When we come before God in
prayer, we need to come with a pure heart. Our conscience must not condemn
us or our prayers will be hindered. The Bible exhorts us to, FLEE ALSO YOUTHFUL
LUSTS: BUT FOLLOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, CHARITY, PEACE, WITH THEM THAT CALL
ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART-2 Tim 2:22. I THANK GOD, WHOM I SERVE
FROM MY FOREFATHERS WITH PURE CONSCIENCE-2 Tim 1:3. THEREFORE BE CLEAR
MINDED AND SELF-CONTROLLED SO THAT YOU CAN PRAY-1 Pe 4:7 (NIV). The Bible also
tells us to love one another with a pure heart. SEEING YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR
SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF
THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY-1
Pe 1:22. Do you pray with a pure heart as Job did? NOT FOR ANY INJUSTICE IN
MINE HANDS: ALSO MY PRAYER IS PURE-Job 16:17. Then as we pray with a
loving and a pure heart, THE PRAYER OF THE UPRIGHT IS HIS DELIGHT-Pv 15:8. God
gives us guidelines to follow. If we are obedient, our prayer life will be fruitful.
The Scripture tells us, KEEP THY TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND THY LIPS FROM
SPEAKING GUILE. DEPART FROM EVIL, AND DO GOOD; SEEK PEACE, AND PURSUE IT. THE
EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN UNTO THEIR CRY.
THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THEM THAT DO EVIL, TO CUT OFF THE REMEMBRANCE
OF THEM FROM THE EARTH. THE RIGHTEOUS CRY, AND THE LORD HEARETH, AND DELIVERETH
THEM OUT OF ALL THEIR TROUBLES. THE LORD IS NIGH UNTO THEM THAT ARE OF A BROKEN
HEART; AND SAVETH SUCH AS BE OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS
OF THE RIGHTEOUS; BUT THE LORD DELIVERETH HIM OUT OF THEM ALL-Ps 34:13-19.God goes on to give us more
guidelines on how to pray and be heard: IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY
MY NAME (those that have committed themselves to the Lord), (1) SHALL HUMBLE
THEMSELVES, (2) AND PRAY, (3) AND SEEK MY FACE, (4) AND TURN
FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE
THEIR SIN, AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND-2 Chr 7:14.If our prayer life is to blossom,
then obedience to Godís Word is necessary. The Bible tells us, THOUGH HE WERE
A SON (Jesus) YET LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED-Heb 5:8.

God
tells us, if we have a clear conscience, then we have confidence about our prayers.
As it is written, BELOVED, IF OUR HEART CONDEMN US NOT, THEN HAVE WE CONFIDENCE
TOWARD GOD. AND WHATSOEVER WE ASK, WE RECEIVE OF HIM, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS,
AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT. AND THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT,
THAT WE SHOULD BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, AND LOVE ONE
ANOTHER, AS HE GAVE US COMMANDMENT-1 Jn 3:21-23. It is written, I CRIED
UNTO THEE; SAVE ME, AND I SHALL KEEP THY TESTIMONIES (statutes)-Ps 119:146.
Have you cried unto God to save you, and promised to follow Him and keep His
commandments, yet broken your word? I HAVE SWORN, AND I WILL PERFORM
IT, THAT I WILL KEEP THY RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS-Ps 119:106. If you have made
that decision for Jesus, then keep your word and obey Him in all things. You
have sworn, and now perform it. If you promised to follow Jesus but have not,
then your prayers are surely hindered, and chances are you do not truly have
the Holy Spirit in you. The Bible tells us, Godís solid foundation stands firm.
Have you?

14-WHEN
PRAYING, HOW SHOULD YOU BEGIN?

The best answer we can give is to clean house. Confess all your sins to God
in the name of Jesus Christ. Have a truly repentant heart. Be sorry in your
heart for all your sins. Be willing to turn from all willful sin and follow
Jesus. Do this so you can come before God with a pure heart and a good conscience
made pure by the blood of Jesus.The Bible tells us, IF WE CONFESS
OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE
US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM
A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US-1 Jn 1:9,10. All sin is removed, forgotten.
FOR AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST, SO FAR HATH HE REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
FROM US-Ps 103:12. THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL
BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL-Isa
1:18.Every time we pray, we should
ask forgiveness of all conscious sins with a truly repentant heart. You should
be willing to give up all known sin in your life. You have the power to do this
if you are truly born-again, BECAUSE GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN
HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD-1Jn 4:4. The Holy Spirit (Godís Spirit that is in you)
is stronger than Satan. The Bible asks us, "Have you resisted sin to the
point of blood?" Jesus did, and He tells us, IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER
ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW
ME-Lk 9:23.

15-WHAT
IS SIN IN GODíS EYES?

Sin is the abominable
thing that God hates. It is written, THE THOUGHT OF FOOLISHNESS IS SIN-Pv 24:9.ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS SIN-1
Jn 5:17.FOR WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH
IS SIN-Ro 14:23.BUT IF YE HAVE RESPECT TO PERSONS,
YE COMMIT SIN-Ja 2:9.THEREFORE TO HIM THAT KNOWETH
TO DO GOOD, AND DOETH IT NOT, TO HIM IT IS SIN-Ja 4:17.FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION
OF THE LAW-1 Jn 3:4.AND REMEMBER ALL THE COMMANDMENTS
OF THE LORD, AND DO THEM; AND THAT YE SEEK NOT AFTER YOUR OWN HEART AND YOUR
OWN EYES, AFTER WHICH YE USE TO GO A WHORING-Num 15:39.THY WORD HAVE I HID
IN MINE HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE-Ps 119:11. Is this you?We need to understand that,
THESE SIX THINGS DOTH THE LORD HATE: YEA, SEVEN ARE AN ABOMINATION
UNTO HIM: A PROUD LOOK, A LYING TONGUE, AND HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD,
AN HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS, FEET THAT BE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO
MISCHIEF, A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES, AND HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG
BRETHREN-Pv 6:16-19.FOOLS MAKE A MOCK AT SIN-Pv
14:9.HE THAT DESPISETH HIS NEIGHBOUR
SINNETH-Pv 14:21.SUFFER NOT THY MOUTH TO CAUSE
THY FLESH TO SIN-Ecc 5:6.THAT WHOSOEVER LOOKETH ON A
WOMAN TO LUST AFTER HER HATH COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH HER ALREADY IN HIS HEART-Mt
5:28.WHEREFORE THINK YE EVIL IN
YOUR HEARTS?-Mt 9:4.NOW THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
ARE MANIFEST, WHICH ARE THESE; ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS LASCIVIOUSNESS,
IDOLATRY, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED, VARIANCE, EMULATIONS, WRATH, STRIFE, SEDITIONS,
HERESIES, ENVYINGS, MURDERS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELLINGS, AND SUCH LIKE: OF THE
WHICH I TELL YOU BEFORE, AS I HAVE ALSO TOLD YOU IN TIME PAST, THAT THEY WHICH
DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Gal 5:19-21.PUT TO DEATH, THEREFORE, WHATEVER
BELONGS TO YOUR EARTHLY NATURE: SEXUAL IMMORALITY, IMPURITY, LUST, EVIL DESIRES
AND GREED, WHICH IS IDOLATRY. BECAUSE OF THESE, THE WRATH OF GOD IS COMING.
YOU USED TO WALK IN THESE WAYS, IN THE LIFE YOU ONCE LIVED. BUT NOW YOU MUST
RID YOURSELVES OF ALL SUCH THINGS AS THESE: ANGER, RAGE, MALICE, SLANDER, AND
FILTHY LANGUAGE FROM YOUR LIPS-Col 3:5-8 (NIV).ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE
OF EVIL-1 Thes 5:22.FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS A
ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL. SOME PEOPLE, EAGER FOR MONEY, HAVE WANDERED FROM
THE FAITH, AND PIERCED THEMSELVES WITH MANY GRIEFS-1 Tim 6:10 (NIV).YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO
BLOOD, STRIVING AGAINST SIN-Heb 12:4.AS IT IS, YOU BOAST AND BRAG.
ALL SUCH BOASTING IS EVIL-Ja 4:16 (NIV).CONFESS YOUR FAULTS
ONE TO ANOTHER, AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, THAT YE MAY BE HEALED-Ja 5:16.IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND
HATETH HIS BROTHER, HE IS A LIAR: FOR HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER WHOM HE
HATH SEEN, HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD WHOM HE HATH NOT SEEN?-1 Jn 4:20.AND HE THAT DWELLETH IN LOVE
DWELLETH IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM-1 Jn 4:16.IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS-Jn
14:15.HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS,
AND KEEPETH THEM, HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME-Jn 14:21.HE THAT LOVETH ME NOT KEEPETH
NOT MY SAYINGS-Jn 14:24.We are warned about astrology,
in Deuteronomy chapter 18. It is an abomination unto the Lord. Anyone caught
worshipping the stars, planets, or the like was put to death under Godís Law.
Do you ever consider astrology? It is sin. Jesus cautions us, VERILY, VERILY,
I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER COMMITTETH SIN IS THE SERVANT OF SIN-Jn 8:34.LET NOT SIN THEREFORE REIGN
IN YOUR MORTAL BODY, THAT YE SHOULD OBEY IT IN THE LUSTS THEREOF-Ro 6:12.IF I REGARD INIQUITY (sin)
IN MY HEART, THE LORD WILL NOT HEAR ME-Ps 66:18.I ACKNOWLEDGED MY SIN UNTO
THEE, AND MINE INIQUITY HAVE I NOT HID. I SAID, I WILL CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS
UNTO THE LORD; AND THOU FORGAVEST THE INIQUITY OF MY SIN-Ps 32:5.HE THAT COVERETH HIS SINS SHALL
NOT PROSPER: BUT WHOSO CONFESSETH AND FORSAKETH THEM SHALL HAVE MERCY-Pv 28:13.

The
Scripture tells us, IF THEY PRAY TOWARD THIS PLACE, AND CONFESS
THY NAME, AND TURN FROM THEIR SIN, WHEN THOU DOST AFFLICT THEM; THEN
HEAR THOU FROM HEAVEN, AND FORGIVE THE SIN OF THY SERVANTS-2 Chr
6:26,27.The people were to pray, saying,
WE HAVE SINNED, AND HAVE DONE PERVERSELY, WE HAVE COMMITTED WICKEDNESS; AND
SO RETURN UNTO THEE WITH ALL THEIR HEART, AND WITH ALL THEIR SOUL-1 Ki 8:47,48.Again, Godís people confess
that, WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST THEE: BOTH I AND MY FATHERíS HOUSE HAVE SINNED.
WE HAVE DEALT VERY CORRUPTLY AGAINST THEE, AND HAVE NOT KEPT THE COMMANDMENTS,
NOR THE STATUTES, NOR THE JUDGMENTS, WHICH THOU COMMANDEDST THY SERVANT MOSES-Neh
1:6,7.Also we hear the same attitude
in the Psalms of David, FOR I WILL DECLARE (confess) MINE INIQUITY; I WILL BE
SORRY FOR MY SIN-Ps 38:18.LOOK UPON MINE AFFLICTION AND
MY PAIN; AND FORGIVE ALL MY SINS-Ps 25:18.FOR THY NAMEíS SAKE, O LORD,
PARDON MINE INIQUITY; FOR IT IS GREAT-Ps 25:11.AND I PRAYED UNTO THE LORD
MY GOD, AND MADE MY CONFESSION-Dan 9:4.HAVE MERCY UPON ME, O GOD,
ACCORDING TO THY LOVING-KINDNESS: ACCORDING UNTO THE MULTITUDE OF THY TENDER
MERCIES BLOT OUT MY TRANSGRESSIONS. WASH ME THOROUGHLY FROM MINE INIQUITY, AND
CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN. FOR I ACKNOWLEDGE MY TRANSGRESSIONS: AND MY SIN IS EVER
BEFORE ME-Ps 51:1-3.God promises your sins will
be forgiven if you confess them and are sincere, and obey His commands. You
can trust that, FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLETH YOU, WHO ALSO WILL DO IT-1 Thes
5:24.What is the dearest thing to
your heart on this earth? Is it money, your house, an automobile, your job,
being someone, or just some sin you donít want to give up? Would you be willing
to give up that thing, even all things for Jesus? For until you are willing,
it is a god to you, and may be stopping you from making that total commitment
to Jesus. Jesus shows us that whatever is the most valuable thing you have,
can be an obstacle to salvation. One asked Him, GOOD MASTER, WHAT SHALL I DO
THAT I MAY INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE? AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, WHY CALLEST THOU ME
GOOD? THERE IS NONE GOOD BUT ONE, THAT IS, GOD. THOU KNOWEST THE COMMANDMENTS,
DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT KILL, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,
DEFRAUD NOT, HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM,
MASTER, ALL THESE HAVE I OBSERVED FROM MY YOUTH. THEN JESUS BEHOLDING HIM LOVED
HIM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, ONE THING THOU LACKEST:GO THY WAY, SELL WHATSOEVER
THOU HAST,AND GIVE TO THE POOR,AND THOU SHALT HAVE TREASURE
IN HEAVEN:AND COME, TAKE UP THE CROSS,AND FOLLOW ME. AND HE WAS SAD
AT THAT SAYING, AND WENT AWAY GRIEVED: FOR HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS-Mk
10:17-22.What is holding you back from
totally committing your life to Jesus? What is hindering your prayers? You cannot
serve both God and Satan. You cannot love this world and hope to enter heaven.
The Scripture tells us, THY HEART IS NOT RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. REPENT
THEREFORE OF THIS THY WICKEDNESS, AND PRAY GOD, IF PERHAPS THE THOUGHT OF THINE
HEART MAY BE FORGIVEN THEE-Acts 8:21,22.LET YOUR HEART THEREFORE
BE PERFECT WITH THE LORD OUR GOD, TO WALK IN HIS STATUTES, AND TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS-1
Ki 8:61.If we do not truly love God
and observe His commandments, we cannot expect God to honor our prayers. I BESEECH
THEE, O LORD GOD OF HEAVEN, THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE GOD, THAT KEEPETH COVENANT
AND MERCY FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM AND OBSERVE HISCOMMANDMENTS:
LET THINE EAR NOW BE ATTENTIVE, AND THINE EYES OPEN, THAT THOU MAYEST HEAR THE
PRAYER OF THY SERVANT-Neh 1:5,6.

To have our prayers answered, we should pray in Godís will. Our faith comes
from Godís Word. Knowledge of how to pray according to Godís will, comes
from Godís Word. You need to get into your Bible and study the Word.
AND THIS I PRAY, THAT YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND YET MORE AND MORE IN
KNOWLEDGE AND IN ALL JUDGMENT (depth of insight)-Phili 1:9.IF YE ABIDE IN ME, ANDMY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, YE SHALL ASK WHAT YE WILL, AND IT SHALL
BE DONE UNTO YOU-Jn 15:7. God just told us that His words (the Word)
must abide in us in order for us to ask and receive. How can Godís
words abide in you if you do not study the Bible diligently? If you want
your prayers answered, you will have to begin spending time in Godís Word. Even
if you must give up some sleep, begin to study Godís Word now. How much time
do you spend a week listening to music or reading other books? How much stronger
in faith and knowledge would you be if you spent all that time in the Bible?
Zeal for God is worthless if it is not based on knowledge which comes from Godís
Word. How can you understand Godís commands and righteousness without the
Word? People often have false ideas about Godís righteousness and try to
establish their own righteousness, because they have not studied Godís Word
to show themselves approved.He tells us, FOR I BEAR THEM
RECORD THAT THEY HAVE A ZEAL OF GOD, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE (the
Word of God from the Bible). FOR THEY BEING IGNORANT OF GODíS RIGHTEOUSNESS,
AND GOING ABOUT TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, HAVE NOT SUBMITTED
THEMSELVES UNTO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD-Ro 10:2,3.

17-STUDY
GODíS WORD

Godís Word commands that you study the Word and meditate on it. If you
are disobeying Godís Word (sin), your prayers may be hindered. THIS BOOK
OF THE LAW SHALL NOT DEPART OUT OF THY MOUTH; BUT THOU SHALT MEDITATE
THEREIN DAY AND NIGHT, THAT THOU MAYEST OBSERVE TO DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT
IS WRITTEN THEREIN: FOR THEN THOU SHALT MAKE THY WAY PROSPEROUS, AND
THEN THOU SHALT HAVE GOOD SUCCESS-Jos 1:8.To have a good prayer life,
we have seen that we must have a repentant heart and confess all our sins. Our
zeal must be based on knowledge of the Word (the Bible). Godís Word must abide
in us. We must be saved (born-again) or God may not hear us.

As
it is written, I WILL PAY THAT THAT I HAVE VOWED. SALVATION IS OF THE
LORD-Jonah 2:9.

The
Bible tells us, WHEREFORE LAY APART ALL FILTHINESS AND SUPERFLUITY OF NAUGHTINESS,
AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE ENGRAFTED WORD, WHICH IS
ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT
HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES. FOR IF ANY BE A HEARER OF THE
WORD, AND NOT A DOER, HE IS LIKE UNTO A MAN BEHOLDING HIS NATURAL FACE
IN A GLASS-Ja 1:21-23. Do you go to church and read your Bible (listen to the
Word), but neglect to do it? The Bible commands us to be doers of the Word.
This includes obeying the commandments as well as witnessing for Jesus. Witnessing
is a command to born-again believers. If you are ashamed of Jesus, the Bible
tells us He will be ashamed of you at the judgment. Is this you? By not witnessing
for Him, are you denying Him? By not letting your light shine before men, are
you denying Jesus? The Bible tells us we deny Him by our actions. You may study
the Word, go to church, give money to the church, and you may even do your best
to obey the Ten Commandments; yet if you are not letting your light shine (the
hope you have in you of salvation, which is Jesus), then you may be on your
way to hell. If you will not work for Jesus now, then you may not have the chance
to work for Him in heaven. While works do not save you, a lack of works will
condemn you. For by their fruits ye shall know them; and faith prompts you
to serve God. Serving God may be said to be evidence of faith. Is this one reason
why your prayers may be hindered? Remember, letting your light for Jesus shine
before men is a command for "you." It is not just a command for preachers;
it is for you also if you truly love God. Time after time, God gives us chances
to witness. Do you witness to yourrelatives, neighbors, and people
at work? The person that asked you for directions, did you witness to him?
The store clerk that helped you, did you witness to him? Do you merely listen
to the Word and not obey it? Are you shy about witnessing? Are you afraid or
embarrassed? It all comes down to the same thing; you disobeyed Godís Word.
You have never yet made that total uncompromising commitment to Jesus. Isnít
it time you did? Do not expect your prayers to be answered while you are living
in disobedience to God. Tell these people that God loves them so much that He
sent His only begotten Son to die for their sins.Do not be as a certain Hindu
girl that when she went to a Christian church, she would take off the "Hindu"
spot on her forehead, but when she went home to her Hindu husband, she put it
back on.

18-PRAISING
JESUS

How much time do you spend praising Jesus? How often do you have the
words, "Praise Jesus" on your lips? How often do you praise Jesus
in church? "Well," you may say, "Our church does not praise Him
so openly." Perhaps, this is one of your problems. Listen to Godís Word
speak to your heart.I WILL PRAISE THEE, O LORD,
WITH MY WHOLE HEART; I WILL SHEW FORTH ALL THY MARVELLOUS WORKS-Ps 9:1.I WILL PRAISE THY NAME, O LORD;
FOR IT IS GOOD-Ps 54:6.I CRIED OUT (prayed) TO
HIM WITH MY MOUTH; HIS PRAISE WAS ON MY TONGUE-Ps 66:17 (NIV).Is the praise of Jesus on your
tongue when you pray? If not, are your prayers being hindered for this reason?
Are you embarrassed to praise Him outwardly in church and in front of other
people? We see this is a command from God.LET THE HEAVEN AND EARTH PRAISE
HIM, THE SEAS, AND EVERY THING THAT MOVETH THEREIN-Ps 69:34.Are you obeying ALL His commands
or just the ones you want to?The Scripture says, LET MY
MOUTH BE FILLED WITH THY PRAISE AND WITH THY HONOUR ALL THE DAY-Ps 71:8.Do you, LIFT UP YOUR HANDS
IN THE SANCTUARY AND BLESS THE LORD?-Ps 134:2.PRAISE YE THE LORD. PRAISE
YE THE LORD FROM THE HEAVENS: PRAISE HIM IN THE HEIGHTS. PRAISE YE HIM, ALL
HIS ANGELS: PRAISE YE HIM, ALL HIS HOSTS. PRAISE YE HIM, SUN AND MOON: PRAISE
HIM, ALL YE STARS OF LIGHT. PRAISE HIM, YE HEAVENS OF HEAVENS, AND YE WATERS
THAT BE ABOVE THE HEAVENS. LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD: FOR HE COMMANDED,
AND THEY WERE CREATED-Ps 148:1-5.BOTH YOUNG MEN, AND MAIDENS;
OLD MEN, AND CHILDREN: LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD: FOR HIS NAME ALONE
IS EXCELLENT; HIS GLORY IS ABOVE THE EARTH AND HEAVEN. HE ALSO EXALTETH THE
HORN OF HIS PEOPLE, THE PRAISE OF ALL HIS SAINTS; EVEN OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL,
A PEOPLE NEAR UNTO HIM. PRAISE YE THE LORD-Ps 148:12-14.PRAISE YE THE LORD. PRAISE
GOD IN HIS SANCTUARY (do you praise God openly in your church?): PRAISE HIM
IN THE FIRMAMENT OF HIS POWER. PRAISE HIM FOR HIS MIGHTY ACTS: PRAISE HIM ACCORDING
TO HIS EXCELLENT GREATNESS. PRAISE HIM WITH THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET: PRAISE
HIM WITH THE PSALTERY AND HARP. PRAISE HIM WITH THE TIMBREL AND DANCE: PRAISE
HIM WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS AND ORGANS. PRAISE HIM UPON THE LOUD CYMBALS:
PRAISE HIM UPON THE HIGH SOUNDING CYMBALS. LET EVERY THING THAT HATH BREATH
PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE YE THE LORD-Ps 150:1-6.AND WHEN HE WAS COME NIGH,
EVEN NOW AT THE DESCENT OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, THE WHOLE MULTITUDE OF THE DISCIPLES
BEGAN TO REJOICE AND PRAISE GOD WITH A LOUD VOICE FOR ALL THE MIGHTY WORKS THAT
THEY HAD SEEN; SAYING, BLESSED BE THE KING THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD:
PEACE IN HEAVEN, AND GLORY IN THE HIGHEST. AND SOME OF THE PHARISEES FROM AMONG
THE MULTITUDE SAID UNTO HIM, MASTER REBUKE THY DISCIPLES. (Which is your church:
the one that is quiet, or the one that is praising Jesus?) Which are you?Jesus ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO
THEM, I TELL YOU THAT, IF THESE SHOULD HOLD THEIR PEACE, THE STONES WOULD IMMEDIATELY
CRY OUT-Lk 19:37-40.Do you have this kind of joy
in the Lord? As you can see, we need to have praise in our hearts, in our mouths,
and in our prayers. WHOSOEVERBELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED-Ro
10:11.

19-GIVE
THANKS TO GOD

How often do you give thanks to God for what you have? Do you give thanks
for everything you eat? Do you give God thanks every day, in good times and
bad, for the trials and temptations that come upon you as well as for the blessings
you have? Do you have a thankful heart toward God no matter your situation is?
Do you let God know it in prayer daily? Repentance, praise, and thanks, should
be part of your prayers.As it is written, BUT IN EVERY
THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS
BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD-Phili 4:6.O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD;
FOR HE IS GOOD: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER. O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE GOD
OF GODS: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER. O GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD OF LORDS;
FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOR EVER-Ps 136:1-3.Do you give thanks during the
times of your greatest distress? Could you pray with a voice of thanksgiving
if you were in the belly of a fish?Jonah did. As it is written,
THEN JONAH PRAYED UNTO THE LORD HIS GOD OUT OF THE FISHíS BELLY, AND SAID, I
CRIED BY REASON OF MINE AFFLICTION UNTO THE LORD, AND HE HEARD ME; OUT OF THE
BELLY OF HELL CRIED I, AND THOU HEARDEST MY VOICE. BUT I WILL SACRIFICE UNTO
THEE WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING; I WILL PAY THAT THAT I HAVE
VOWED-Jonah 2:1,2,9.Pray unto the Lord with a voice
of thanks in all circumstances. Paul said, IÖCEASE NOT TO GIVE THANKS FOR YOU,
MAKING MENTION OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS-Eph 1:15,16.I THANK MY GOD UPON EVERY REMEMBRANCE
OF YOU-Phili 1:3.WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAYS
FOR YOU ALL-1 Thes 1:2.WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD AND THE
FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST-Col 1:3.AND WHEN HE HAD THUS SPOKEN,
HE TOOK BREAD, AND GAVE THANKS TO GOD IN PRESENCE OF THEM ALL-Acts 27:35.Do you give thanks for your
bread and food in the presence of others? Are you embarrassed? Are you ungrateful?
Is there joy and rejoicing in your prayers? For we are to REJOICE EVERMORE-1
Thes 5:16.Be joyful always. ALWAYS IN
EVERY PRAYER OF MINE FOR YOU All MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY-Phili 1:4.Always pray with joy. If you
follow these guidelines from the Bible, your prayer life should blossom and
grow.

"Christ" is the Greek word for "Messiah." Jesus is His name.
There is power in the name of Jesus, which is above all names. As it
is written, AND WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME, THAT WILL I DO, THAT THE
FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON-Jn 14:13.IF YE SHALL ASK ANY THING IN
MY NAME, I WILL DO IT-Jn 14:14.OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF
THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH-Ps 124:8.FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON
THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED-Ro 10:13.WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK THE
FATHER IN MY NAME, HE WILL GIVE IT YOU. HITHERTO HAVE YE ASKED NOTHING IN MY
NAME: ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL-Jn 16:23-24.AT THAT DAY YE SHALL ASK IN
MY NAME: AND I SAY NOT UNTO YOU, THAT I WILL PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU-Jn 16:26.
THAT WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK OF THE FATHER IN MY NAME, HE MAY GIVE IT YOU-Jn
15:16.

21-FAITH

Do you believe with great faith that when you pray God will answer you? The
Scriptures tell us of people with no faith, little faith, and faith like a wave.
In order to get prayers answered, you need faith. Some believe you can pray
for faith. This is not true. Faith comes in proportion to how much you read,
study, meditate, hear, and understand the Word of God, and act on it. If you
go to church three times a week, yet the preacher only uses 3 or 4 verses each
time, your faith may grow about 12 verses a week. If you read 500 verses a week,
your faith will grow 500 verses a week (if you understand and do the Word).
The Word needs to be implanted in your spirit. Stories the preacher tells, although
nice, will not increase your faith. Only Godís Word will. The Bible, as we have
read previously, commands us to study and meditate on the Word. We are to put
it in our hearts and be a doer of the Word.NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE
OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN-Heb 11:1. Did you hear
that? Faith is substance. It is faith that causes things to happen. Because
THROUGH FAITH WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD OF GOD,
SO THAT THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN WERE NOT MADE OF THINGS WHICH DO APPEAR-Heb 11:3.
SO THEN FAITHCOMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD-Ro
10:17. As we have seen, faith comes only by Godís Word.We also must act on the Word.
FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT IS DEAD, SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
ALSO-Ja 2:26. EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE-Ja 2:17.
YEA, A MAN MAY SAY, THOU HAST FAITH, AND I HAVE WORKS: SHOW ME THY FAITH WITHOUT
THY WORKS, AND I WILL SHOW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS-Ja 2:18. Again, the Scriptures
ask, BUT WILT THOU KNOW, O VAIN MAN, THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? WAS NOT
ABRAHAM OUR FATHER JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, WHEN HE HAD OFFERED ISAAC HIS SON UPON
THE ALTAR? SEEST THOU HOW FAITH WROUGHT WITH HIS WORKS, AND BY WORKS
WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT?-Ja 2:20-22. BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND
NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES-Ja 1:22.LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR
AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH-Heb 12:2.TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL
THINE HEART; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE
HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS. BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES: FEAR THE
LORD, AND DEPART FROMEVIL-Pv 3:5-7.We must plant the Word in our
spirit, and do it. BUT HE THAT DOETH TRUTH COMETH TO THE LIGHT-Jn 3:21.Believing (faith) must be in
our heart, not our head. So LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL
WISDOM-Col 3:16.IF YE ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS
ABIDE IN YOU, YE SHALL ASK WHAT YE WILL, AND IT SHALL BE DONE UNTO YOU-Jn 15:7.
As has been said, how much faith you have is determined by how much faith food
(the Word) you put in, how much you understand it with your heart, and how much
you act on it or do it.The Bible also tells us, FOR
WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN-Ro 14:23. FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT-2
Cor 5:7. THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH-Gal 3:11.The only thing that counts
is faith expressing itself through love. As the Scripture declares, FOR IN JESUS
CHRIST NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION; BUT FAITH
WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE-Gal 5:6.IF I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
AND CAN FATHOM ALL MYSTERIES AND ALL KNOWLEDGE, AND IF I HAVE A FAITH
THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I AM NOTHING-1 Cor 13:2 (NIV).
AND THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT
CHARITY, I AM NOTHING-1 Cor 13:2. We need to sow the Word into our hearts. As
a result of faith, works should come forth, combined with love.Faith grows out of the Word,
not from praying for it. Prayer does
not cause faith to work. Faith causes prayer to work. When the heart is not
filled with the Word of God, the substance of faith will not be there. The words
of our mouth will not be backed up by the faith from our heart. Godís Word cannot
fail. For thus it is written, WHERE IS BOASTING THEN? IT IS EXCLUDED. BY WHAT
LAW? OF WORKS? NAY: BUT BY THE LAW OF FAITH-Ro 3:27. BUT WITHOUT FAITH
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT
HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM-Heb 11:6.
As covered previously, that faith needs to be centered in Jesus Christ.

Jesus
covers faith and prayer in the Gospels, as we read, NOW IN THE MORNING AS HE
RETURNED INTO THE CITY, HE HUNGERED. AND WHEN HE SAW A FIG TREE IN THE WAY,
HE CAME TO IT, AND FOUND NOTHING THEREON, BUT LEAVES ONLY, AND SAID UNTO IT,
LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE
WITHERED AWAY. AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES SAW IT, THEY MARVELLED, SAYING, HOW SOON
IS THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY! JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, VERILY I SAY
UNTO YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH, AND DOUBT NOT, YE SHALL NOT ONLY DO THIS WHICH IS
DONE TO THE FIG TREE, BUT ALSO IF YE SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN, BE THOU REMOVED,
AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA; IT SHALL BE DONE. AND ALL THINGS, WHATSOEVER
YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER, BELIEVING, YE SHALL RECEIVE-Mt 21:18-22. IF THOU CANST
BELIEVE, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVETH-Mk 9:23. AND STRAIGHTWAY
THE FATHER OF THE CHILD CRIED OUT, AND SAID WITH TEARS, LORD, I BELIEVE; HELP
THOU MINE UNBELIEF-Mk 9:24.IF YE HAD FAITH AS A GRAIN
OF MUSTARD SEED, YE MIGHT SAY UNTO THIS SYCAMINE TREE, BE THOU PLUCKED UP BY
THE ROOT, AND BE THOU PLANTED IN THE SEA; AND IT SHOULD OBEY YOU-Lk 17:6.FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU,
IF YE HAVE FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED, YE SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN,
REMOVE HENCE TO YONDER PLACE; AND IT SHALL REMOVE; AND NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE
UNTO YOU-Mt 17:20.FOR VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU,
THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN, BE THOU REMOVED, AND BE THOU CAST
INTO THE SEA; AND SHALL NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART, BUT SHALL BELIEVE THAT
THOSE THINGS WHICH HE SAITH SHALL COME TO PASS; HE SHALL HAVE WHATSOEVER HE
SAITH. THEREFORE I SAY UNTO YOU, WHAT THINGS SOEVER YE DESIRE, WHEN YE PRAY,
BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM-Mk 11:23,24.

22-HE
HAD FAITH TO BE HEALED

Faith can increase and grow, or it can decrease. Satan is constantly trying
to take the Word from your heart. It is written, WHEN YOUR FAITH IS INCREASED-2
Cor 10:15.I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH,
NO, NOT IN ISRAEL-Mt 8:10.AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, RECEIVE
THY SIGHT: THY FAITH HATH SAVED (healed) THEE-Lk 18:42.THE SAME HEARD PAUL SPEAK:
WHO STEDFASTLY BEHOLDING HIM, AND PERCEIVING THAT HE HAD FAITH TO BE HEALED,
SAID WITH A LOUD VOICE, STAND UPRIGHT ON THY FEET. AND HE LEAPED AND WALKED-Acts
14:9,10.IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET
HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING
HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE
THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HAVE COMMITTED SINS,
THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM. CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER,
AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, THAT YE MAY BE HEALED. THE EFFECTUAL
FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH-Ja 5:14-16.Jesus came into His own country,
yet HE DID NOT MANY MIGHTY WORKS THERE BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF-Mt 13:58. Just
consider that because of a lack of faith, Jesus did not do many miracles. God
wants our faith to be perfect and complete, KNOWING THIS, THAT THE TRYING
OFYOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE. BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT
WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PERFECT AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING-Ja 1:3,4.THAT THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH,
BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN OF GOLD THAT PERISHETH, THOUGH IT BE TRIED WITH
FIRE, MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE AND HONOUR AND GLORY AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS
CHRIST-1 Pe 1:7.THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS
OF GOD REVEALED FROM FAITH TO FAITH: AS IT IS WRITTEN, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY
FAITH-Ro 1:17.BUT YE, BELOVED, BUILDING UP
YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST-Jude 20.NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY
FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM-Heb 10:38.BUT THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY
HIS FAITH-Hab 2:4.In our prayers, faith is the
key. It is substance. We are to ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. FOR HE
THAT WAVERETH IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED. FOR
LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANYTHING OF THE LORD. A DOUBLE
MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS-Ja 1:6-8.Godís will for us is that we
study the Word and show ourselves approved. We do this so THAT WE HENCEFORTH
BE NO MORE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO, AND CARRIED ABOUT WITH EVERY WIND
OF DOCTRINE, BY THE SLEIGHT OF MEN, AND CUNNING CRAFTINESS,
WHEREBY THEY LIE IN WAIT TO DECEIVE; BUT SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, MAY GROW
UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, WHICH IS THE HEAD, EVEN CHRIST-Eph 4:14,15.LET ME NOT BE ASHAMED, LET
NOT MINE ENEMIES TRIUMPH OVER ME. YEA, LET NONE THAT WAIT ON THEE BE ASHAMED-Ps
25:2,3.We must pray in faith, as David
prayed. MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING, O LORD (faith); IN THE MORNING
WILL I DIRECT MY PRAYER UNTO THEE, AND WILL LOOK UP (and wait in expectation)
(faith)-Ps 5:3.FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH,
LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, WHEREUNTO THOU ART ALSO CALLED, AND HAST PROFESSED
A GOOD PROFESSION BEFORE MANY WITNESSES-1 Tim 6:12.FOLLOW AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS,
GODLINESS, FAITH, LOVE, PATIENCE, MEEKNESS-1 Tim 6:11. Once again, we see faith.
It is never faith in ourselves. It is faith in Jesus. It is faith in the power
of God. As it is written, AND THAT BY HIS POWER HE MAY FULFILL EVERY GOOD PURPOSE
OF YOURS AND EVERY ACT PROMPTED BY YOUR FAITH-2 Thes 1:11 (NIV). It is
the faith that will prompt Godís power to action.Yet we must be careful not
to err. We read of those WHO CONCERNING THE TRUTH HAVE ERRED, SAYING THAT THE
RESURRECTION IS PAST ALREADY; AND OVERTHROW THE FAITH OF SOME-2 Tim 2:18.

Faith,
it is the substance of things hoped for. We pray with words of faith to get
results. The words of faith and actions of faith result in the manifestation
of Godís power. WE HAVING THE SAME SPIRIT OF FAITH, ACCORDING AS IT IS WRITTEN,
I BELIEVED, AND THEREFORE HAVE I SPOKEN; WE ALSO BELIEVE, AND THEREFORE SPEAK-2
Cor 4:13.Jesus told us in Mk 11:23-THAT
WHOSOEVER SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN. Again, we see the spoken Word.FOR OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE
HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKETH-Lk 6:45.In Lk 17:6, Jesus again tells
us, YE MIGHT SAY UNTO THIS SYCAMINE TREE. The Word has power beyond our understanding.
Godís Word tells us to guard every word we say, and He warns us THAT
EVERY IDLE WORD THAT MEN SHALL SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT
THEREOF IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT-Mt 12:36.THE WORD IS NIGH THEE, EVEN
IN THY MOUTH, AND IN THY HEART: THAT IS, THE WORD OF FAITH, WHICH WE
PREACH-Ro 10:8.IF ANY MAN AMONG YOU
SEEM TO BE RELIGIOUS, AND BRIDLETH NOT HIS TONGUE, BUT
DECEIVETH HIS OWN HEART, THIS MANíS RELIGION IS VAIN-Ja 1:26. With words
Jesus raised the dead, healed the sick, and stilled the sea. Let us remember,
faith is the substance that we need in our prayers to get an answer from God.
If you want a good prayer life, you must study the Word and combine it with
works; or it may be said, be a doer of the Word. NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE
OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN-Heb 11:1.

23-BECAUSE
YE ASK NOT

The Scriptures tell us, BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN. FOR WE
BROUGHT NOTHING INTO THIS WORLD, AND IT IS CERTAIN WE CAN CARRY NOTHING OUT.
AND HAVING FOOD AND RAIMENT LET US BE THEREWITH CONTENT-1 Tim 6:6-8. YE LUST,
AND HAVE NOT: YE KILL, AND DESIRE TO HAVE, AND CANNOT OBTAIN: YE FIGHT AND WAR,
YET YE HAVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASKNOT. YE ASK, AND RECEIVE NOT,
BECAUSE YE ASK AMISS, THAT YE MAY CONSUME IT UPON YOUR LUSTS. YE ADULTERERS
AND ADULTERESSES, KNOW YE NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH
GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD-Ja
4:2-4.GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD,
BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE-Ja 4:6.ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN
YOU; SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND; KNOCK, AND IT SHALL BE OPENED UNTO YOU: FOR EVERY
ONETHAT ASKETH RECEIVETH; AND HE THAT SEEKETH FINDETH; AND TO HIM
THAT KNOCKETH IT SHALL BE OPENED. OR WHAT MAN IS THERE OF YOU, WHOM IF HIS SON
ASK BREAD, WILL HE GIVE HIM A STONE?ÖIF YE THEN, BEING EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE
GOOD GIFTS UNTO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE SHALL YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN
GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?-Mt 7:7-9,11. THEREFORE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER
YE WOULD THAT MEN SHOULD DO TO YOU, DO YE EVEN SO TO THEM: FOR THIS IS THE LAW
AND THE PROPHETS-Mt 7:12. IF A SONÖASK A FISH, WILL HE FOR A FISH GIVE HIM A
SERPENT? OR IF HE SHALL ASK AN EGG, WILL HE OFFER HIM A SCORPION?-Lk 11:11-12.BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR,
AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM,
AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME-Rev 3:20. The Bible is stressing that
we need to ASK for those things we are in need of, to make our requests
and supplications known to God.As it is written, THEN SAID
MARTHA UNTO JESUS, LORD, IF THOU HADST BEEN HERE, MY BROTHER HAD NOT DIED. BUT
I KNOW, THAT EVEN NOW, WHATSOEVER THOU WILT ASK OF GOD, GOD WILL GIVE IT THEE.
JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN. MARTHA SAITH
UNTO HIM, I KNOW THAT HE SHALL RISE AGAIN IN THE RESURRECTION AT THE LAST DAY.
JESUS SAID UNTO HER, I AM THE RESURRECTION, AND THE LIFE. HE THAT BELIEVETH
IN ME, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE: AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH
IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE. BELIEVEST THOU THIS? SHE SAITH UNTO HIM, YEA LORD:
I BELIEVE THAT THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, WHICH SHOULD COME INTO THE
WORLD-Jn 11:21-27. THEN WHEN MARY WAS COME WHERE JESUS WAS, AND SAW HIM, SHE
FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET, SAYING UNTO HIM, LORD, IF THOU HADST BEEN HERE, MY BROTHER
HAD NOT DIED. WHEN JESUS THEREFORE SAW HER WEEPING, AND THE JEWS ALSO WEEPING
WHICH CAME WITH HER, HE GROANED IN THE SPIRIT, AND WAS TROUBLED. AND SAID, WHERE
HAVE YE LAID HIM? THEY SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, COME AND SEE. JESUS WEPT. THEN SAID
THE JEWS, BEHOLD HOW HE LOVED HIM! AND SOME OF THEM SAID, COULD NOT THIS MAN,
WHICH OPENED THE EYES OF THE BLIND, HAVE CAUSED THAT EVEN THIS MAN SHOULD NOT
HAVE DIED? JESUS THEREFORE AGAIN GROANING IN HIMSELF COMETH TO THE GRAVE. IT
WAS A CAVE, AND A STONE LAY UPON IT. JESUS SAID, TAKE YE AWAY THE STONE. MARTHA,
THE SISTER OF HIM THAT WAS DEAD, SAITH UNTO HIM, LORD, BY THIS TIME HE STINKETH:
FOR HE HATH BEEN DEAD FOUR DAYS. JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, SAID I NOT UNTO THEE,
THAT, IF THOU WOULDEST BELIEVE, THOU SHOULDEST SEE THE GLORY OF
GOD? THEN THEY TOOK AWAY THE STONE FROM THE PLACE WHERE THE DEAD WAS LAID. AND
JESUS LIFTED UP HIS EYES, AND SAID, FATHER, I THANK THEE THAT THOU HAST HEARD
ME. AND I KNEW THAT THOU HEAREST ME ALWAYS: BUT BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE WHICH
STAND BY I SAID IT, THAT THEY MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU HAST SENT ME. AND WHEN HE
THUS HAD SPOKEN, HE CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, LAZARUS, COME FORTH. AND HE THAT
WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, BOUND HAND AND FOOT WITH GRAVECLOTHES: AND HIS FACE WAS
BOUND ABOUT WITH A NAPKIN. JESUS SAITH UNTO THEM, LOOSE HIM, AND LET HIM GO-Jn
11:32-44.We note two important things
here: first faith, second ask. "IF THOU WOULDEST BELIEVE."Jesus also tells us, HITHERTO
HAVE YE ASKED NOTHING IN MY NAME: ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE-Jn 16:24. Again
we see, we must ask. We must make our needs known to God, even though He already
knows them.

FAITH THAT THE FATHER
WOULD DO WHAT JESUS ASKED

FAITH THAT THE DEAD
IN CHRIST SHALL RISE AGAIN

FAITH THAT JESUS
IS THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
(BELIEVE IN JESUS)

FAITH THAT WHOSOEVER
BELIEVES IN JESUS SHALL NEVER DIE

FAITH THAT
JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SONOF GOD,
WHICH SHOULD COME INTO THEWORLD